The Pearl of the Mediterranean and Turkey’s largest seaport in a city that hosted the Mediterannean games back in 2013, so why have you not heard of it? Because it is mainly a modern container port. Although many cruise ships stop in container ports few use this port, it must either cost be more than they are used to paying, or it is too modern. Mersin could be said to be a gateway port for Tarsus (Turkey), just 25km away. The train is about 1Euro and takes 35 minutes, a taxi is faster at 22 minutes but is about 6Euro (2021). The fourth-largest metropolitan area in Turkey, Tarsus has modern attractions like a zoo; Tarsus Hayvan Parki. However, it is a Christian pilgrimage destination where St. Paul’s Church, a monument and well commemorate the saint’s birthplace. There are other old buildings in the very modern city, like Kubat Pasha Madrasa. The ruin of Cleopatra’s Gate, (Kleopatra Kapisi) it is one of the few ruins of the old Roman defensive walls. In the city, the Mersin Museum exhibits archaeological artefacts and sculptures from nearby burial mounds and excavation.
Ashab-ı Kehf Mağarası is a further 14 km north of Tarsus. The Eshab-ı Kehf Cave, also known as Seven Sleepers’ Cave, is an organised attraction that will be easy to find. Next to it is a mosque with a tall minaret.
Looking at the locally offered attractions and tours is the first thing a movie location scout will do to research a place.
Local tours (allow time to load) as shown by GET YOUR GUIDE
Always remember a ship tour offers the protection of waiting for the trip to return if it is running late.
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See my cruise and port accurate mystery thrillers in paperback and eBook Some in large print & as audiobooks. They are all set on a cruise and written like movies or TV series. Well, that is where I spent the last 50 years! The income is reinvested into this cruise site.
CHAT GROUPS – a fantastic way to help others and a place to find answers. We run a Facebook Group for each of the ships. For example, P&O IONA group P&O Ventura MARELLA EXPLORER Disney & Family cruise chatSAGA Ocean & River cruise chat group Viking Ocean & River Cruising chatCunard Chat – Premium cruise liners Find the complete list of chat groups here
